Soldier first

There are times when the reporter part of me runs into conflict with the soldier side of me. I came into this expecting it, but I didn't know how often it would happen.

The events that are making global news this week with the South Korean hostage situation are driving this home. It is all taking place right here in Ghazni province. We knew about the kidnappings and the tragic discovery of the dead body hours before both acts made headlines around the world.

If you only knew the intense meetings and the work going on by good people to ensure a happy ending.

Having this outlet and being a lifelong journalist, the immediate impulse is to break the news to the world. But I'm not here as a journalist, I'm here as a soldier -- a job with its own mission and loyalties. I struggle with it, but I know what I am here to do. I'm not accustomed to being so close to the news and certainly not in this position. There are often so many things I cannot share with you for our own safety and for the good of those concerned. I accept that.

Join me in praying for the families of all touched by this tragedy. Join me also in condemning the despicable tactics our enemy uses. Terrorism is even uglier the closer you get to it.

Hopefully my team's small role here will join in creating positive results that will make for better headlines now and in the weeks, months and years ahead. In the end, that is the motivation that keeps the soldier me in front of the journalist me.